Community
This year’s theme: The Great Gus Gatsby. The annual event, now in its 16th year, is a collaboration between the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Office of Alumni & Constituent Relations in the week leading up to Pitt State’s first home football game.
The first year was small and grassroots: a handful of businesses decorated, and the pep rally consisted of one class from George Nettles Elementary School that walked to the practice field east of the Crossland House and released red balloons. Today, dozens of businesses and university offices participate.
“Needless to say, it’s come a long way and I couldn’t be more proud of how well the community has embraced it,” said Blake Benson, Chamber president.
Benson describes the event as a way the community, and in particular the business community, can show appreciation for the impact Pitt State has on the area.
“Not just the financial impact, although that’s significant, but especially the energy and enthusiasm that the students bring,” he said. “We’re truly fortunate to have them here and this is just one way we can show them our appreciation.”
Jon Bartlow, director of Alumni & Constituent Relations, said the event demonstrates to visitors the pride and spirit of both the university and the community.
“Paint the Town Red illustrates the amazing collaboration the City of Pittsburg and PSU share,” he said. “Those of us organizing the event this year are especially excited to bring our community back together to celebrate this relationship and our community after missing last year’s festivities.”
Schedule
Tuesday and Wednesday: Decorating
Thursday
Morning: Campus Decorating Contest judging
Noon: Community Favorite Award voting begins
Friday
Morning: Business Decorating Contest judging
11 a.m.: Community Favorite voting ends
Noon: Business Decorating Contest winners announced live on KSN 16
6 to 8 p.m.: Community Block Party and PSU Pep Rally
6 p.m.: Kids Fun Run. Free; no pre-registration required
Saturday
7:30 a.m.: Paint the Town Red 5K Run (begins at Axe Library, ends at Gorilla Village)
7 p.m.: PSU Football vs. Nebraska-Kearney
